United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023
Think Differently About Emergencies Act This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress regarding assistance and resources provided by FEMA to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the families of such individuals who are impacted by major disasters. Specifically, FEMA must report within 120 days of this bill's enactment, describing the assistance and resources that FEMA provides to such individuals and families through states, localities, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Further, FEMA and GAO must each (1) review such assistance and resources, (2) identify potential legal impediments to providing such assistance and resources, and (3) provide recommendations to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023
Protecting Kids on Social Media Act This bill requires social media platforms to verify the age of account holders and limits access to such platforms by children. Specifically, social media platforms (1) must verify the age of account holders, (2) may not allow an individual to create or continue to use an account unless the individual's age has been verified, and (3) must limit access to the platform for children under the age of 13. Social media platforms may not use or retain any information collected during the age verification process for any other purpose. Further, platforms must take reasonable steps to (1) require affirmative consent from the parent or guardian of a minor who is at least 13 years old to create an account for the minor on the platform, and (2) provide the parent or guardian with the ability to revoke such consent. Social media platforms may not use the personal data of an individual in an algorithmic recommendation system unless the individual is at least 18 years old according to the platform's age verification process. The bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish a voluntary pilot program to provide secure digital identification credentials for individuals to use when verifying their age on social media platforms. Commerce may issue rules for social media companies to enroll in the program. The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general (or other authorized state officials).
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023
This bill requires certain actions to address school security. Specifically, the bill requires the President's National Security Strategy to include the strategies and capabilities needed to ensure the safety and security of schools in the United States, including elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education (IHEs). The bill also requires the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of threats to elementary and secondary schools and IHEs. ED and DHS must jointly submit a report to Congress on the results of the assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023
Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA's) working definition of antisemitism when reviewing or investigating complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. According to the IHRA's working definition, antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023
Bolstering America's Defenses Against Potentially Perilous Software Act or the BAD APPS Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to create (1) categorical definitions of foreign mobile applications of concern, and (2) a risk framework to assess certain foreign mobile applications for any potential impact on DOD personnel and operations. Generally, the framework must include mobile applications from countries that DOD determines to be engaged in consistent, unauthorized conduct that is detrimental to the national security or foreign policy of the United States. Such framework must incorporate specified considerations, such as the manner and extent of data collection by the application. DOD must issue guidance to all of its personnel incorporating the categories of foreign mobile applications of concern and advising how to mitigate the risks identified by the risk framework with respect to the applications. DOD must also update the categorical definitions and risk framework at least annually.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023
Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act This bill establishes a Medicare buy-in option for certain qualifying first responders. Specifically, the bill allows first responders aged 50 to 64 to enroll in Medicare if they are retired or otherwise separated from service due to a disability. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must determine enrollment periods and set premiums for the buy-in option established under the bill, in accordance with specified requirements. The CMS must also award grants to states and nonprofit organizations for outreach and enrollment activities relating to the buy-in option.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023
Preventing Opportunities for Teen E-Cigarette and Tobacco Addiction Act or the PROTECT Act This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a strategy and carry out a specific initiative to prevent and reduce the use of electronic cigarettes and emerging tobacco products among youth and young adults. As part of the initiative, the CDC must conduct research and surveillance on types of products, patterns of use, health impacts, and other aspects of the use of such products by youth and young adults; evaluate prevention and intervention strategies and develop guidance for intervening and treating youth and young adults who use such products; identify effective messaging and communication efforts and implement a national public education campaign concerning the use of such products; and continue to fund grants for tobacco control programs in health departments, including efforts to prevent and reduce the use of such products by youth and young adults.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023
Safe Schools Improvement Act This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit bullying and harassment of elementary and secondary school students. In particular, these policies must prohibit bullying and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), sex characteristics (including intersex traits), disability, or religion. Further, LEAs must provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct and report on an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics must collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023
Federal Retirement Fairness Act This bill modifies the federal civilian service that is creditable service under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Specifically, it expands the nondeduction service that may be creditable under FERS. Nondeduction service is federal service where an employee's pay is not subject to retirement deductions (e.g., service under a temporary appointment). Currently, nondeduction service performed before January 1, 1989, is creditable under FERS so long as a deposit is made into the retirement fund to cover the period of nondeduction service. This bill allows nondeduction service performed on or after January 1, 1989, to be creditable under FERS so long as a deposit is made into the retirement fund.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023
This resolution calls on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during its October 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution (1) condemns Hamas for attacking Israel, taking hostages, and for threats made against hostages; (2) demands that Hamas immediately release hostages; (3) recognizes that hostage-taking is a violation of international humanitarian law; and (4) expresses sympathy to the hostages, wounded, deceased, and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023
This resolution (1) condemns the brutal attacks by Hamas, (2) reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and (3) urges Senator Tommy Tuberville and any others involved in the delay of critical military confirmations to stand with Israel and ensure that the United States is able to demonstrate military strength and ability to respond to this crisis.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023
This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2023
This resolution expresses unwavering support for Israel and a readiness to consider urgent requests for additional assistance to Israel to defend its people and sovereignty. The resolution also states that (1) Israel is entitled to act in self-defense against Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and associated forces, as well as their state sponsors; and (2) the cross-border attacks and kidnappings against Israel constitute acts of international terrorism and aggression.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2023
This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023
Water Access Act This bill provides FY2024 appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. The program provides grants to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023
Military Academy Honor and Conduct Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to update the 1995 report titled Department of Defense Service Academies: Comparison of Honor and Conduct Adjudicatory Processes , including to compare the honor and conduct systems at each service academy (i.e., the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy).
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report on illicit drug use by members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the monitoring and prevention systems within DOD regarding such use. The report must be submitted not later than December 1, 2023.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023
Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act This bill requires the Department of Education to encourage institutions of higher education to develop and implement evidence-based comprehensive campus mental health and suicide prevention plans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2023 This bill addresses harassment at institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, the bill requires each IHE to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding harassment on the basis of a student's actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, a sex stereotype, and sex characteristics, including intersex traits), disability, or religion. In addition, the Department of Education may award grants to IHEs to initiate, expand, or improve programs to (1) prevent the harassment of students; (2) provide counseling or redress services to students who have been harassed or accused of subjecting other students to harassment; or (3) educate and train students, faculty, or staff to prevent harassment or address harassment if it occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023
Saving Our Mainstreet American Locations for Leisure and Shopping Act of 2023 This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, income attributable to certain discharges of commercial or retail indebtedness secured by real property.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023
John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights. A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if, during the previous 25 years: 15 or more voting rights violations occurred in the state; 10 or more violations occurred, at least 1 of which was committed by the state itself; or 3 or more violations occurred and the state administers the elections. A political subdivision as a separate unit shall also be subject to preclearance for a 10-year period if three or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years. States and political subdivisions that meet certain thresholds regarding minority groups must preclear covered practices before implementation, such as redistricting. States and political subdivisions must notify the public of changes to voting practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to require states or political subdivisions to provide certain documents or answers to questions for enforcing voting rights. The bill outlines factors courts must consider when hearing challenges to voting practices, such as the extent of any history of official voting discrimination in the state or political subdivision.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023
This resolution expresses the sense that China seeks to dominate technology-related sectors through unfair trade practices as outlined in the Made in China 2025 plan (a broad set of industrial plans aiming to boost competitiveness in global manufacturing). The resolution also expresses that U.S. businesses, research institutions, and federal entities involved in research and design are targets for such disruption, and should prepare themselves for growing unfair Chinese trade practices and continued theft of intellectual property.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023
No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act This bill denies employers a tax deduction for any expenditures incurred for attempting to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations or labor organization activities, such as elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report on their attempts to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations and their activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023
9/11 Memorial and Museum Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to award to the nonprofit organization that operates the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City a one-time grant to be used solely for the purposes of the operation, security, and maintenance of the memorial and museum. As a condition of receiving the grant, the organization must provide for free admission to all facilities and museums associated with the memorial and museum for active and retired members of the Armed Forces, individuals who were registered first responders to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and family members of victims of such attacks; provide for dedicated free admission hours for the general public at least once a week; and allow for annual federal audits of its financial statements.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023
SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act This bill increases resource limits used to determine eligibility for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI is a federal assistance program that provides monthly cash payments to aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Specifically, the bill increases the resource limits from $2,000 to $10,000 for individuals and from $3,000 to $20,000 for married couples. The bill annually adjusts the limits for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023
Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing, subject to civil penalties. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment. The bill specifies exceptions to these prohibitions, including if such animal testing (1) is conducted outside the United States to comply with a foreign regulatory authority; (2) is pursuant to a specified finding that there are no nonanimal alternatives to test the safety of a potentially dangerous cosmetic product or ingredient; (3) is of a product or ingredient for a drug or device subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (4) is required for a noncosmetic purpose pursuant to a state, federal, or foreign regulatory authority. Further, no animal-testing evidence may be used to establish the safety of a cosmetic product or ingredient that is regulated by the FDA after the effective date of this bill, subject to limited exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 August 2023
Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program through FY2028. This Department of Agriculture program provides grants to help rural communities gain the technology and training necessary to engage in telemedicine and distance learning.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023
Voters on the Move Registration Act of 2023 This bill requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to develop, and specified agencies to distribute, a statement providing individuals with information on how to register to vote and their voting rights. This information must be provided to individuals upon their participation in certain rental assistance programs or application for certain residential mortgages.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023
Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act or the Expanding the VOTE Act This bill expands access to voting materials for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language. Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) requires covered states and political subdivisions to provide voting materials and other language assistance to persons who are American Indian, Asian American, Alaskan Natives, or of Spanish heritage and whose ability to speak or understand English limits electoral participation. A state or political subdivision that is subject to Section 203 is prohibited from providing English-only voting materials in an election. Among other requirements, this bill (1) requires the Department of Justice to issue a notice of prohibition, including the trigger threshold at which the prohibition applies, to certain states and political subdivisions; and (2) requires covered states and political subdivisions to provide written translations of all voting materials, with the consent of any applicable tribal government, to election workers. Additionally, the bill requires the Election Assistance Commission to make incentive grants for states and political subdivisions to provide translated voting materials. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the impact of (1) reducing the threshold requirement under Section 203 of the VRA, and (2) expanding the definition of language minorities to include native speakers of additional languages.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2023
Visitor Visa Wait Time Reduction Act This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress on the average waiting time to get a visitor visa interview at each diplomatic or consular post. For each post where the average waiting time is longer than 300 days, the State Department must temporarily reassign personnel at that post to shorten the waiting time.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2023
National Dam Safety Program Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill extends through FY2028 several initiatives relating to dam safety. Specifically, the bill extends (1) the National Dam Safety Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); (2) the Interagency Committee on Dam Safety; (3) FEMA's National Inventory of Dams; and (4) outreach, research, training, and staff personnel related to dam safety.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2023
Kidney Patient Access to Technologically Innovative and Essential Nephrology Treatments Act of 2023 or the Kidney PATIENT Act of 2023 This bill delays a change to the payment methodology under Medicare for oral drugs that are used to treat end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Under current regulations, beginning January 1, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will incorporate payments for oral-only ESRD drugs into the ESRD prospective payment system rather than issuing separate payments to ESRD facilities. The bill delays implementation of this policy until January 1, 2033, or until an approved intravenous drug is available, whichever is earlier.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement for Animals Act of 2023 or the Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023 This bill modifies enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act, including by allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring civil actions against violators of the act for appropriate relief, such as removing animals, revoking violators' licenses, or issuing civil penalties. DOJ must use the penalties to pay for the temporary care for animals pending the disposition of civil or criminal proceedings that allege violations of the act with respect to such animals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Tax Fairness for Workers Act This bill allows an above-the-line tax deduction for union dues and expenses. (An above-the-line deduction is subtracted from gross income and is available whether or not a taxpayer itemizes other deductions.) The bill also reinstates the miscellaneous itemized tax deduction for unreimbursed expenses attributable to the performance of services as an employee (Under current law, all miscellaneous itemized deductions are suspended through 2025).
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
This concurrent resolution opposes actions that undermine Israel's future as a Jewish, democratic state. The resolution expresses that democracy is at the core of the special relationship between the United States and Israel, and that Congress stands with all Israelis seeking to defend liberal democracy, judicial review, and independent political institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023
Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act This bill modifies the Conrad 30 Waiver program, which incentivizes qualified foreign physicians to serve in underserved communities. It also extends statutory authority for the program for three years from this bill's enactment. Aliens coming to the United States under a J-1 nonimmigrant visa to receive medical training typically must leave the country and reside for two years abroad before being eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence. The Conrad program waives this requirement for individuals who meet certain qualifications, including serving for a number of years at a health care facility in an underserved area. The bill increases the number of waivers that a state may obtain each fiscal year from 30 to 35 if a certain number of waivers were used the previous year, and provides for further adjustments depending on demand. An alien physician may be employed at an academic medical center to meet the Conrad program's employment requirements if the alien's work is in the public interest, even if the medical center is not in an underserved area. Employment contracts for alien physicians under the Conrad program shall contain certain information, such as the maximum number of on-call hours per week the physician shall have to work. Certain alien physicians (along with the physician's spouse and children) shall be exempt from the direct annual numerical limits on immigration, including those physicians that have met certain requirements related to visas for physicians to serve in underserved areas.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000579_200.jpg)